SONABEL, operators of the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso have finally spilled excess water from the dam as part of the controlled spillage.
One of the valves of the dam was opened at 9:53 am Friday August 28, 2026 marking the effective start of the 2026 spillway discharges.
At the time of the spillage, the upstream water level was 234.79 meters with a discharge release of 47.72m3/s .
Residents and farmers downstream were notified and warned to move to higher grounds for safety.
On August 5, the Water Resources Commission (WRC) alerted communities along the White Volta River and adjoining areas that a controlled spillage of the Bagré Dam in Burkina Faso could begin from Tuesday, August 11, 2026, if water levels continue to rise.
In a press release dated August 4, 2026, the Commission said it had received an update from SONABEL, the operators of the Bagré Dam, indicating that the reservoir’s water level stood at 232.93 metres as of Tuesday, August 4, with the dam 62.77 percent full.
According to the Commission, SONABEL plans to commence controlled water spillage if the reservoir level reaches 234.00 metres, a measure intended to ensure the safe operation of the dam.
The Commission has therefore advised residents in communities along the White Volta River and surrounding flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and comply with safety directives issued by their respective Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies as well as other relevant state agencies.
The WRC said it will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the situation evolves.
Tanko Mohammed Rabiu
